CAMPAIGNERS against a planned new homeless hostel have criticised the consultation process as being “too rushed”.

Opponents said the decision to grant planning permission for a 16-bed interim homeless hostel on Coity Road, Bridgend, had been taken too quickly.

But Bridgend County Borough Council said they had allowed longer than legally required for objections and complied fully with all planning laws.

Critics told the Gazette a letter to residents giving 28 days to make objections did not arrive until a week after the day it was dated. Colin Lowth, of Brook Court, said a 110-name petition against the development presented to BCBC was only “scratching the surface” of opposition in the area.

“If there had been a month or two and the whole area had been canvassed there would have been thousands,” he said.

A BCBC spokesman said: “The application has been processed in full accordance with all appropriate planning legislation, including requirements for advertising, consultation and due consideration of all feedback.”